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D Blues Scale

Also known as: Hexatonic Blues

Gritty, emotional, and expressive. The ♭5 (blue note) adds that distinctive blues tension.

D Blues Scale Notes

D1
F♭3
G4
G#♭5
A5
C♭7
D8

Notes: D - F - G - G# - A - C - D

Scale Formula & Intervals

Interval Pattern

m3-W-H-H-m3-W

W = Whole step (2 semitones), H = Half step (1 semitone)

Scale Degrees

1 - ♭3 - 4 - ♭5 - 5 - ♭7

Scale degrees relative to the root note

Semitones from Root

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Famous Songs Using This Scale

1

The Thrill is Gone

B.B. King

2

Crossroads

Cream/Robert Johnson

3

Pride and Joy

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Practice Tips for D Blues Scale

  • Minor pentatonic + the ♭5 (blue note)
  • Use the ♭5 as a passing tone, not a resting note
  • Bend notes for authentic blues expression
  • Essential for any guitarist or keyboardist

Common Genres

BluesJazzRockSoulR&BFunk